Australian "Disability with Attitude" Conference Announces Keynotes, Adds Sterilization Forum

An international conference on "Disability with Attitude: Critical Issues 20 Years after the IYDP," will take place 16-17 February 2001 on the Parramatta Campus, the University of Western Sydney, Australia.

The organizers have announced keynote speakers as follows: Prof. Adrienne Asch, Dr. Tom Shakespeare, Don Grimes, Philip French and Helen Meekosha.

Also, the planners have added a February 15 National Forum on Sterilization and Reproductive Health of Women and Girls with Disabilities.

The following questions will be considered by the speakers and participants: Twenty years after the International Year of Disabled Persons÷where are we? What have the struggles by disability movements achieved÷in terms of policy, programs and in the community? Have governments delivered on the grand rhetoric of "Rights, Self-Determination and Participation?" What are the confronting issues for the next decade?

The intention is to bring together academics and community organizations to examine progress, celebrate achievements and address critical issues facing society. Sponsors are: the Social Relations of Disability Research Network, People with Disabilities of New South Wales, Women with Disabilities Australia and Access Plus.

The sponsors have also announced that they have some financial assistance available for people with disabilities wishing to attend. Details by email dwaconf@unsw.edu.au; fax 61 2 9662 8991 or on the web: www.arts.unsw.edu.au/socialwork/disability.htm